English PSSSB Practice 57

The First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782) was the first major war between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire in India. It was fought mainly for control over territory and influence in western India. The war began when the British tried to support a claimant to the throne of the Maratha Empire, Raghunath Rao, against the ruling Peshwa, Madhav Rao II. Raghunath Rao promised the British certain territorial rights in return for their support. In 1775, the British forces entered Pune to support him, but the Marathas strongly resisted. The war involved several battles, with both sides winning and losing at different times. Notable battles included the Battle of Wadgaon in 1779, where the British suffered a heavy defeat, and the Battle of Salher. The British faced strong resistance from Maratha forces, which were well-organized and skilled in guerrilla warfare. The war continued for several years with shifting alliances and intense fighting. It was costly for both sides, and neither gained a decisive advantage. Finally, in 1782, both sides agreed to peace through the Treaty of Salbai. According to this treaty, the British recognized Madhav Rao II as the Peshwa, and the Marathas agreed to maintain peace with the British for 20 years. The treaty allowed the British to strengthen their position in western India without direct annexation of Maratha territory. The First Anglo-Maratha War showed that the Marathas were a strong power in India, capable of resisting British expansion for a long time. However, it also marked the beginning of frequent Anglo-Maratha conflicts. This war shaped the future relations between the British and the Maratha Empire, eventually leading to later Anglo-Maratha wars and the expansion of British control in India.